Wyoming Lien: A Complete Guide to Liens in the State

A lien is a legal claim against a property to make sure a debt gets paid. Once it’s filed, the creditor has rights to the property and can block the owner from selling, refinancing, or transferring it until the debt is cleared. Since lien laws differ by state, it is important to know how Wyoming handles them.

What Is a Lien in Wyoming?

A lien in Wyoming gives a creditor the legal right to claim an interest in a debtor’s property until the debt is paid. Liens can be placed on real property like land, homes, or commercial buildings, as well as personal property such as vehicles or equipment. Once recorded, these liens become public records, alerting buyers, lenders, and title companies about any unpaid debts.

Property owners, liens can hold up the sale or refinancing of their property until the debt is cleared. For buyers, checking liens is important to make sure the title is clean. And for creditors, liens are a way to secure repayment by making sure their claim is recognized and enforceable.

Types of Liens in Wyoming

The most common liens filed in Wyoming include:

1. A Property Tax Lien in Wyoming happens when a property owner does not pay their taxes. The county then sells this lien at an annual sale to investors who pay the owed taxes and earn interest. If the owner does not pay back, the investor can eventually take ownership of the property.
2. Wyoming Statutes Title 29, Chapter 2 allows contractors, suppliers, and workers to file a mechanic’s lien if they are not paid for labor or materials. This lien secures payment by placing a legal claim on the property. Strict deadlines and procedures apply.
3. According to W.S. 1‑17‑303, a judgment lien in Wyoming attaches to a person’s real property when a money judgment is filed with the county clerk. This means the winning party in a lawsuit has a legal claim on the debtor’s land or buildings in that county until the debt is paid.
4. In Wyoming, a mortgage lien is a legal claim lenders hold on a property to secure repayment of a loan. If the borrower defaults, the lender can foreclose and sell the property to recover what’s owed. This right to the property is based on W.S. 34‑1‑132.

How to Search for Liens in Wyoming

Lien records in Wyoming are public and can be accessed through:

• County Clerk’s Offices: Each of Wyoming’s 23 counties keeps property and lien records at its County Clerk’s Office. You can search these records by the property owner’s name, parcel ID, or the property’s address.
• Online County Databases: Some Wyoming counties, like Laramie (Cheyenne), Natrona (Casper), and Teton (Jackson), offer online property and lien search tools, making it easier to access records from anywhere.
• Wyoming Courts Public Access: Judgment liens can be searched through Wyoming’s online judicial records system. While full remote access to all court records is not yet available, the state provides online access to Supreme Court case records and public dockets.
• Title Companies and Third-Party Services: Commonly used in real estate closings to perform comprehensive lien searches.

Lien Records in Major Wyoming Cities

Since lien records are county-based, searches must be conducted in the county where the property is located:

• Cheyenne (Laramie County): The Laramie County Clerk’s Office handles all property and lien filings for the county. They offer convenient online access to these records, so you can search for property owners, liens, mortgages, deeds, and more from anywhere.
• Casper (Natrona County): The Natrona County Clerk’s Office lets you easily search property and lien records online through their iDoc Market website.
• Laramie (Albany County): Albany County’s clerk handles all lien and property filings for the county. They provide public access to important documents that help residents, buyers, and researchers verify property details and ownership.
• Gillette (Campbell County): The Campbell County Clerk’s Office in Gillette keeps all the lien and deed records for property transactions in the area. You can search records and file documents at their main office or check their website for online services.
• Jackson (Teton County): The Teton County Clerk's office handles all lien and property records for the Jackson area.

How Long Does a Lien Stay on Property in Wyoming?

Lien duration in Wyoming depends on the lien type:

• Property Tax Liens: Property tax liens last up to four years, giving owners time to pay their overdue taxes and reclaim their property. If unpaid after that, the county can sell the property. A tax deed usually cannot be issued more than six years after the original tax sale.
• Mechanic’s Liens: A Mechanic’s lien must be enforced by filing a lawsuit within 180 days of filing the lien. According to Wyoming statute W.S. 29-2-109, if no lawsuit is filed within this period, the lien can expire or be waived.
• Judgment Liens: They last for 5 years from the day they are recorded. The creditor can renew it once for another 5 years if needed. This gives creditors up to 10 years total to enforce the lien on a debtor’s property. If no action is taken within that time, the lien no longer affects the property.
• Mortgage Liens: A mortgage lien is the lender’s legal claim on your home until you pay off the loan. If you do not, they can take the property. Once you fully pay your mortgage, the lien is removed, and you own your home free and clear.
• Tax Liens (IRS/State): Federal tax liens are handled by the IRS and usually released automatically after 10 years, once the statute of limitations expires. This means the lien lifts on its own without any extra steps.

How to Remove a Lien in Wyoming

Removing a lien in Wyoming requires addressing the debt or disputing the lien’s validity. Common methods include:

1. Paying the Debt in Full: Once the debt is paid, the lienholder must issue a release. This release then needs to be filed with the county clerk to show the lien is cleared.
2. Negotiating a Settlement: Creditors might agree to accept less money than owed and then file a lien release to clear the lien.
3. Court Petition: Property owners can go to court to fight liens that are fake, wrong, or filed improperly.
4. Recording a Satisfaction or Release: Even after paying off a lien, property owners should make sure the lienholder files a release with the county to clear the title

In Wyoming, liens are a key tool to protect creditors and make sure property owners meet their financial responsibilities. Whether you are a buyer, seller, or lender, understanding the different types of liens, how long they last, how to look them up, and how to clear them is crucial for smooth transactions. Wyoming’s strict deadlines and county-based filing systems mean it’s smart to check with your local county clerk, a title company, or a lawyer when dealing with liens. Taking the time to handle liens correctly helps keep property titles clear, avoids costly delays, and keeps real estate deals running smoothly.